Wave-particle duality for the electron

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Discussion Overview

This discussion explores the wave-particle duality of the electron, focusing on its wave characteristics, the nature of its propagation, and the implications of polarization. Participants examine theoretical aspects, experimental observations, and conceptual clarifications related to the electron's behavior in different contexts.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants suggest that the electron behaves like a wave when it propagates and like a particle when it interacts, noting that the wave nature does not conform to traditional classifications of transverse or longitudinal waves.
  • There is a claim that electrons do not require a medium for propagation, as they can travel through a vacuum.
  • One participant questions whether the electron-wave can be considered a transverse wave and if it can undergo linear polarization through a polarizing filter, to which others clarify that polarization in the context of electrons relates to spin alignment rather than wave characteristics.
  • A participant introduces the idea of time-space as a medium, prompting a discussion about the nature of spacetime and its distinction from traditional media.
  • Another participant references historical concepts such as the luminiferous aether, indicating a shift in understanding regarding the necessity of a medium for wave propagation.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the nature of the electron's wave characteristics and the concept of a medium. While some agree on the lack of a traditional medium, others propose alternative interpretations, leading to an unresolved discussion on these points.

Contextual Notes

The discussion includes assumptions about the definitions of wave types and the implications of polarization, which remain unresolved. The relationship between quantum entanglement and polarization is also mentioned but not fully explored.

Uranium235
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Hello again!

So this time I have a few questions about the wave nature of the electron. So I've read that an electron can behave both as a wave and as a particle. My questions are regarding the electron as a wave.
1) When does the electron behave as a wave? Is it a transverse or longitudinal wave? I know that the electron has been observed to have wave like characteristics in double slit experiments and particle like characteristics in some others, but I would like to know if the electron is always both wave and particle or if it alternates.
2) What is the medium through which the electron-wave travels? Is it the electric field?
3) If it is a transverse wave through the electric field, does this mean that it can undergo linear polarization by passing through a polarizing filter?
 
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1) Basically, like a wave when it propagates and like a particle when it interacts. The wave is neither transverse nor longitudinal, as these terms apply to vector fields and the electron is a spinor.

2) There is no medium. Electrons propagate just fine in vacuum.

3) The filters used to produce polarized light do not affect electrons. You can polarize a beam of electrons in the sense that their spins are aligned, and this is sometimes done in particle accelerators. Here's a reference describing one method: http://epaper.kek.jp/p95/ARTICLES/MPE/MPE08.PDF
 
Bill_K said:
1) Basically, like a wave when it propagates and like a particle when it interacts. The wave is neither transverse nor longitudinal, as these terms apply to vector fields and the electron is a spinor.

2) There is no medium. Electrons propagate just fine in vacuum.

3) The filters used to produce polarized light do not affect electrons. You can polarize a beam of electrons in the sense that their spins are aligned, and this is sometimes done in particle accelerators. Here's a reference describing one method: http://epaper.kek.jp/p95/ARTICLES/MPE/MPE08.PDF

well explained Bill.

the medium is time-space?

and polarization does not break/effect quantum entanglement?
 
Last edited:
San K said:
the medium is time-space?

Well, everything traverses through spacetime so we don't necesarily think of it as a "medium" specific to the electron. Sounds requires air to travel, yet it still travels in spacetime. Light travels well in water (albeit less than "c") yet still travels in spacetime.

It used to be thought that there must be a medium for light known as the "luminiferous aether" but that idea was dispelled.
 

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